Aug. 9, 2001 – For the last two weeks the vehicle shown in the photograph here has been parked at Mandahl Beach. A neighborhood resident wants to find the owner.
Fred Watts, who lives in the area and walks along the Mandahl Road every morning with his dogs, said, "I first saw it on July 30. I called the police last week. Nothing happened. Today I took these pictures and gave them to the police."
When he went to the police station at the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex, Watts initially was told to go to Public Works because that is the government agency that deals with derelict cars. But once Watts, a lawyer, explained the situation, he was told by the policewoman to whom he gave the pictures that something would be done.
Watts said while the stereo system and license plate have been removed, the vehicle otherwise seems fine. He said the inspection sticker is current and there is a Red Hook parking receipt on the dashboard.
"Maybe someone will recognize their car," he said. "I would be pretty upset if it was my car."
While hopeful that police would take action to find the owner, he contacted the Source in the expectation that publishing a photo of the vehicle might help locate the owner.
Watts said if the police did take action, the car would likely end up impounded. Calls to the police seeking information late Thursday afternoon were not answered.
